The safety and efficacy of vibrating capsule (VC) in promoting defecation by mechanical stimulation of the gastrointestinal walls have been elucidated in animal studies and pilot clinical studies. Our study aimed to explore the clinical application of a newly developed smartphone-controlled multi-mode VC in the treatment of functional constipation (FC) on multicentres.

Patients referred to gastroenterology outpatient of Changhai Hospital with FC and met the eligible criteria for more than 6 months and with spontaneous complete bowel movement (SCBM) less than 3 times per week within recent 3 weeks were eligible for this study. The study was discussed with patients who satisfied the enrolment criteria and provided written informed consents.

This study was a multicentred, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial to assess the safety and the effecacy of a newly developed gastrointestinal vibrating capsule (VC) in treating patients with functional constipation (FC). The whole process included two weeks run-in period, six weeks double-blind, placebo-controlled treatment period, and a follow-up period until the discharge of all swallowed capsules. During treatment period, patients were required to swallow one capsule every three to four days and a total of twelve capsules.

For each patient, a face to face follow-up was required for at least 6 times, once every two weeks through the whole study.

Run-in period (Visit 1) Face to face consultation in gastroenterology outpatient clinic and sign of written informed consents; Barium enema or colonoscopy (no re-examination is needed if the patient has undergone barium enema or total colonoscopy within a year); Distribution of bisacodyl tablets and diary cards; Perform the following examinations: vital signs, physical examination and laboratory examination; Eligibility evaluation based on the entry/discharge criteria; Record of past medical history, concomitant diseases and medication; Collection of the baseline characteristics of the enrolled patients including age, sex, duration of constipation, mean SCBMs, spontaneous bowel movements (SBMs), BMs, frequency of bisacodyl tablets taken and Bristol Score.

Treatment period Visit 2： Randomization; Patients were asked to fill in PAC-SYM, PAC-QOL and Comprehensive Evaluation Questionnaire; Record of vital signs and physical examination; Distribution of bisacodyl tablets, capsule retrieving bags and VCs; Instruct patients how to use the control board and start the vibration of VCs; Recycle of bisacodine tablets; Distribution and collection of diary cards; Record of adverse events, concomitant diseases and medication. Visit 3, Visit 4： Patients were asked to fill in PAC-SYM, PAC-QOL and Comprehensive Evaluation Questionnaire; Record of vital signs and physical examination; Recheck fecal routine and occult blood examination; Distribution of bisacodyl tablets, capsule retrieving bags and VCs; Recycle of bisacodyl tablets and VCs; Distribution and collection of diary cards; Record of adverse events, concomitant diseases and medication. Visit 5： Patients were asked to fill in PAC-SYM, PAC-QOL and Comprehensive Evaluation Questionnaire; Record of vital signs and physical examination; ECG; Blood routine/blood biochemistry/urine routine; Fecal routine and occult blood; Recycle of bisacodyl tablets and VCs; Distribution and collection of diary cards; Distribution of capsule retrieving bags; Record of adverse events, concomitant diseases and medication.

Follow-up period (Visit6):

Determine the discharge of all capsules; Recycle of capsules; Collection of diary cards; During the follow-up period, once the capsule was discharged the follow-up would be ended. If the capsules were still in the body, the patients must continue the follow-up until the capsules were all discharged.

The primary endpoint was the proportion of patients with SBM increased more than 1 time during treatment period. Secondary endpoints including mean SCBM , SBM , bowel movement (BM) and their improvements , Bristol Score, capsule evacuation time and satisfaction level. Patients were continuously monitored for adverse events (AE) at baseline and at each visit. Satisfaction level were evaluated based on Patient Assessment of Constipation Quality of Life questionnaire (PAC-QOL) and Patient Assessment of Constipation Symptom (PAC-SYM) at each visit.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Male and female patients aged over 18 years and under 80 years;

• Patients who present with chronic constipation for more than 6 months and with SBM less than 3 times per week within recent 3 weeks and have at least one of the following symptoms for more than one-fourth (25%) during defecation:

  1. Straining;
  2. Lumpy or hard stools (bristol stool form (BSF scale 1~2);
  3. Sensation of incomplete evacuation;
  4. Sensation of anorectal obstruction/blockage;
  5. Manual maneuvers to facilitate defecation. Note: The above criteria can only be applied during spontaneous defecation, including no taking of laxatives within 24 hours before defecation, etc.

• Organic diseases were not found by barium enema or colonoscopy in the past year.

• Insufficient criteria for irritable bowel syndrome.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Patients who have contraindications to gastroscopy or colonoscopy;
• Patients under 18 years or over 80 years;
• Active vomiting;
• Patients with a permanent pacemaker (e.g. implantable cardioverter-defibrillator);
• Patients with any electronic/magnetic/mechanically controlled devices (e.g. sacral nerve stimulators, bladder stimulators);
• Patients with dysphagia, odynophagia or known swallowing disorder;
• Patients with known Zenker's diverticulum;
• Patients with suspected bowel obstruction or bowel perforation;
• Patients with prior bowel obstruction;
• Patients with gastroparesis or known gastric outlet obstruction;
• Patients with known Crohn's disease;
• Patients who are taking daily non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (excluding prophylactic doses of aspirin) for more than six months;
• Patients who have received abdominopelvic radiotherapy treatment;
• Patients with a history of GI tract surgery (Billroth I, Billroth II, Oesophagectomy, gastrectomy or bariatric procedure);
• Patients who are pregnant or lactating;
• Patients with altered mental status that would limit their ability to swallow;
• Patients with allergy to conscious sedation, polyethylene glycol or metoclopramide;
• Patients unwilling to swallow the capsule;
• Patients with known dementia affecting ability to consent;
• Patients who have warning signs in recent years including abnormal weight loss(>10% in recent 3 month), bloody stool (except hemorrhoids), infection, etc.;
• Other inappropriate situations determined by physicians.